Uniting for a Brighter Future

The first Women's Forum gathering held in Turin, Italy, was a powerful and engaging experience, thanks to the warm hospitality of Claudia De Benedetti and the participation of Ilana Ben Namer and Orly Froman from Israel, who joined via Zoom to offer their support and introduce Maccabi Women's Forum and its global and Israeli impact. The evening featured an intuitive painting activity that sparked creativity and connection among participants. As the event unfolded, strong bonds were formed, and exciting new ideas for the future emerged. Photo credit: Gilat Makmel  

Maccabi Women Sweden organized a compelling "Bring Them Home" event, calling for the release of hostages still held captive by Hamas in Gaza. As a powerful symbol of solidarity, 180 yellow helium balloons, each bearing the name of a hostage, were tied to one of Stockholm’s most iconic bridges. Additionally, Forum members encouraged people to gather in groups and spread the campaign throughout different locations across the city simultaneously, amplifying the message of unity and hope.

As we mourned the heartbreaking return of Shiri, Ariel and little Kfir Bibas Z"L, Maccabi Women’s Forum Sweden and Bring Them Home Sweden led a special procession through the city. The march, accompanied by orange balloons in memory of the family, symbolized support and solidarity with Yarden Bibas, who was released from captivity only to face the devastating loss of his loved ones. Photos credit: Maccabi Women Sweden  

In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a powerful solidarity event for Israel was organized by the Jewish community and Maccabi Argentina – FAMCCA, in collaboration with the local Women’s Forum. Around 10,000 people gathered to honor the memory of Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, Z"L. The crowd, waving Israeli flags and holding orange signs, was joined by members of parliament and the Israeli ambassador to Argentina. The event concluded with a heartfelt rendition of Israel’s national anthem, Hatikvah. Photo credit: Vero Silbergleit, Club Náutico Hacoaj 

In Berlin, Maccabi Women's Forum Germany held a moving event at the Brandenburg Gate in memory of the Bibas family Z"L. Orange balloons were released as a symbol of solidarity, with the support of members from the city's Hostage Square initiative, calling for the swift release of all hostages. Photos credit: Jessica Brauner